Patch Cable vs. Ethernet Cable: Are You Confusing Them to Be the Same?

We are living in the generation where we have hands-on patch cables and Ethernet cables. But sometimes, people get into confusion about whether these two cables are different or the same.

Today, we will highlight all the aspects related to patch cables and Ethernet cables. Thus, the next time when you move ahead to buy them, there will be no such trouble at all.

Before we start, we suggest you follow the details we are providing below to the core. So it will become easy for you to understand their fundamental differences. Moreover, you will also learn how these cables are helpful in the present time.

Let’s get started!

What Is an Ethernet Cable?

Before exploring the Ethernet cables, it is essential to know about Ethernet. These are the type of protocol through which information travel over a particular medium.

The best part is even a bit of information can travel. It travels through different types of cables.

It mainly includes the fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, and twisted pair cable. The most common type of Ethernet cable available is a copper network cable and fiber optic cable.

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Instead of identifying these cables differently, people started to call them Ethernet cables only, and twiste pair copper network cable  are distinguished as cat5, cat6 cat5e, and so on. Fiber optic cable just is fiber optic cable.

Uses of Ethernet Cable:

• It provides better internet connectivity.
• It helps connect devices to the Local Network.
• You can plug these cables into different Ethernet ports on a wide variety of devices.
• You can find them in the modem and Wi-Fi router.

These cables are highly sufficient when it is about transferring the bit information.

What Is the Patch Cable?

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Patch cables sometimes referred to as patch cords, have connectors available at both ends. These cables help connect one device to another.

It won’t be erroneous if we say that patch cables are somewhat similar to Ethernet cables. But the significant difference is that we use patch cables to cover shorter distances, such as in offices and wiring closets.

The patch cables are sufficient for connecting the computer to the network hub like a router or switch.

So Patch Cable is just one type of ethernet cable. And it is used at the end of the Cabling as a connector to link our devices. That is right.

There are two types of patch cables, one is the fiber patch cables and the other is the Copper patch cables.

But for the most of using is Copper patch cables.

Uses of Patch Cable:

• The patch cables help link a device to the nearby network hub.
• These cables are highly essential for building a form of computer network.
• There are also non-networking patch cables that work as headphone extensions, small telephone connectors, etc.
• The patch panel cables are also there, which are highly in use.

Patch Cable vs. Ethernet Cable

After understanding the basics of patch cable and Ethernet cable, you might want to know other differences to help you choose the correct cable type. So, let’s have a look at the differences between them further.

1. How Does an Ethernet Cable Look Like Externally?

Let’s talk about the appearance of Ethernet cables. Well, they appear similar to old phone cables.

But this comes up with doubling the number of wires as compared to phone cable. Likewise, its connector is also slightly big as compared to the phone cable connector.

While analyzing the wire, you will notice that a small modular plug is available at the end of each cable. We often call it an RJ45 or Registered Jack 45 connector.

Over this connector, there is a small lever, which helps in securing and injecting the Ethernet cable seamlessly. This connector will fix after you push it into the Ethernet port.

In some of the Ethernet ports, you will find an LED light signifying the successful connection. It blinks after the successful installation of the Ethernet cable.

Now, let’s understand the size of Ethernet cables. Well, these cables start from 0.5 and go up to 30 meters and beyond. But the best part is that users can cut the cable as per their needs.

Lastly, Ethernet cables are also available in different colors. It doesn’t matter whether you choose a red color Ethernet cable or a black color Ethernet cable. There will be no difference in their functioning.

But people consider these different colors for identifying the connections. Likewise, many internet service providers pay attention to color combinations.

2. How Does a Patch Cable Look Like Externally?

A patch cable is a small cable having connectors available at both ends. These cables are also known as patch lead or patch cord.

Now, let’s understand their structure. Well, these cables are pretty flexible and are not bulky as compared to other cables available.

You will see that connectors have a clip available for smooth insertion and keeping it stiff on both ends. Thus, it’s pretty easy to insert and take out these cables.

Nowadays, thick patch cables (snake cables) are also available, which help transmit video and amplified signals.

3. Can You Use Any Ethernet Cable: Are They All the Same?

At the very first, it is essential to understand that Ethernet cables have different standards and categories. The cable having the higher number has a new standard available.

These cables are backward compatible and support communicating at a faster speed. You will find out varieties of Ethernet cable according to speed variation, bandwidth requirements, and so on.

So, the answer will be no, all Ethernet cables are not the same.

If you require high bandwidth and want to cover a long-distance, you better go with optical fiber cable. Likewise, you can choose Ethernet crossover cables to set up network connectivity in buildings.

4. Is Patch Cable a Straight Through Cable?

Yes, a patch cable is a straight-through cable. It does not swap or change along its way. In patch cables, the same spin out connects both ends of the wire. Besides, it follows similar wiring standards.

So, patch cables, excepting fiber patch cable, are straight-through cables.

5. Can Someone Use Patch Cable in Place of Ethernet Cable?

Thankfully, if you have a patch cable available, you can use it in place of an Ethernet cable.

That’s because both cables represent the same copper networks. But it is essential to understand that patch cables are for small distances while Ethernet cables are for longer distances.

Apart from this, it doesn’t create any difference if you want to replace any cable with another.

Either you have a patch cable or Ethernet cable available, your task will get fulfilled easily, and there will be no need for you to purchase a specific cable at all.

But make sure to check out the distance criteria before buying any of these cables.

Final Thoughts!

So, after discussing the significant differences between patch cable and Ethernet cable, we have come to an end here.

It is totally up to the buyer which cable they want to purchase as per their requirement. Ensure to pay attention to the cable specifications because many different cables are available according to the task.

Know your needs and place your order for the ultimate option available right here. You can browse our products to find out suitable patch cables for your networking needs.